Botswana Roundup: Medical tourism, energy problems, Trump’s impact, 2026 World Athletic Relays

Energy problems

Botswana is exploring the construction of a new 615 MW coal-fired power station near Morupule B to address ongoing generation issues, as the existing facility has struggled to operate at full capacity since its 2012 launch. The Energy Ministry is considering this option if maintenance efforts at Morupule B do not resolve the problems. According to African Mining Market, the proposed plant could be operational within 18 to 24 months. A previous expansion plan for Morupule B was unsuccessful due to a lack of government guarantees for bidders. 

Medical tourism

Botswana is emerging as Africa's leading medical tourism destination, driven by significant healthcare investments and strategic initiatives to attract global patients. Travel and Tour World reports that the government has allocated substantial funds to enhance healthcare infrastructure, including the development of a 450-bed academic teaching hospital and upgrades to primary care facilities. This focus on quality and affordable medical treatments positions Botswana as an appealing alternative to traditional medical tourism hotspots. 

Embracing language through martial arts

The Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana hosted a cultural and language event on March 21, 2025, focused on "Chinese Gongfu" or martial arts. The event provided approximately 70 Chinese learners a platform to practice the language while learning about traditional martial arts, including vocabulary for various weapons. Participants showcased their Chinese language skills, with many citing the practical benefits of learning Chinese for business opportunities. The event featured performances, language games, and discussions, drawing parallels to "English corners" in China for language practice, Xinhua reports. CIUB is Botswana's first Confucius Institute, with a second institute opening in October 2023. 

Trump’s impact in Botswana

The Trump Administration's foreign aid cuts have severely impacted Botswana, particularly in health sectors like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, The Tenesse Tribune reports. On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order halting most U.S. foreign aid and drastically reducing USAID's workforce, which has led to program cutbacks that leave many vulnerable populations without support. 

2026 World Athletic Relays

Botswana has been selected to host the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone from May 2 to May 3, 2026, as announced by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe during a council meeting in Nanjing, China. Minister of Sport and Arts Jacob Kelebeng celebrated the news, congratulating the Botswana Athletics Association. Botswana has a strong relay team, highlighted by its 4x400m squad, which won a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and holds three World Relays medals.